Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 1998 Cadillac Eldorado with NHTSA between 2003 and 2018.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Cadillac Eldorado. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 27
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Cadillac Eldorado
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1998 Cadillac Eldorado
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
526.3%
Median failure at 102,000 miles
Brakes
421.1%
Median failure at 79,059 miles
Engine & Cooling
315.8%
Median failure at 61,240 miles
Wheels
210.5%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
15.3%
Median failure at 79,059 miles
Suspension
15.3%
Median failure at 79,059 miles
Steering
15.3%
Median failure at 50,000 miles
Electrical System
15.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,500 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
214.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
214.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
750.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
214.3%
150,000+ miles
17.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 3Aug 2018
Recalls on the 1998 Cadillac Eldorado
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1997188124 units in Canada
Engine
THE CANISTER PURGE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISROUTED. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE HARNESS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE LINKAGE. THIS COULD PREVENT RETURN TO CLOSED THROTTLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR THE CORRECT HARNESS ROUTING AND A PLASTIC TIE STRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO POSITIVELY LOCATE THE HARNESS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-450-4863293. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11118688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
ENGINE
STRONG GASOLINE FUMES NOTED WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT
NHTSA complaint #10783219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG GASOLINE FUMES NOTED WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT
NHTSA complaint #10783219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,500 milesHudson, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC ELDORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM ONE OF THE FUEL LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,500.
NHTSA complaint #10420102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CADILLAC ELDORADO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE GROUND. SHE ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FUEL RAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 08/14/09. *LJ UPDATED 08/17/09.
NHTSA complaint #10276811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesTucson, AZ
WHEELS
TWO TIRES CONTINUE TO LOSE AIR. I FINALLY WENT TO REPLACE THE TIRES AND THE SERVICE CENTER SAID THAT THE RIM WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE RIM FROM OXIDATION. THE CHROME WAS PEELING OFF OF 2 OF THE RIMS.
NHTSA complaint #10249603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 1998 CADILLAC ELDORADO HE COULD SMELL GAS, SO HE TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS. AT PEP BOYS THEY STATED THAT THE PLASTIC PART OF THE FUEL RAIL HAD SEVERAL PINHOLES IN IT AND WAS SPRAYING A MIST OF FUEL ONTO THE NUMBER EIGHT SPARK PLUG. THE PLASTIC TUBING HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94000. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE INVOICE REPAIR IF NEEDED. *NM UPDATED 2/16/2007 - THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF A RECALL RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10178786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,480 milesAlbuquerque, NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STARTING WITH DIC MESSAGE OF "LOW COOLANT", I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE OVERHEATING PROBLEM. AFTER THE CADILLAC DEALER IN DURANGO COLORADO WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM ( REPLACED HOSES, WATER PUMP), MY MECHANIC (IN ALBUQUERQUE)FOUND A CRACKED HEAD THAT WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTERNALY. FIXED THE HEAD, BUT NOW THE HEAD BOLT HOLES STRIPPED. USED OVERSIZED HELICOILS , BUT BLOCK MATERIAL STILL TO SOFT AND CANNOT TORQUE DOWN THE HEAD BOLTS WITHOUT PULLING HELICOILS. ALUMINUM METAL GOT TO SOFT AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS ENGIN ONLY HAS 82K+ MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS. ALUMINIUM FOR BLOCK/HEAD MATERIA IS STUPIDITY. WEIGHT SAVINGS CANNOT BE THAT MUCH TO HAVE SHORTER LIFE OF AN ENGINE.L
NHTSA complaint #10075059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSpringfield, VA
STEERING
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10055883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,500 milesAddison, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES SUDDENLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-95 THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETLY TO THE FLOOR AND PROVIDED NO BRAKING CAPABILITY. BRAKE FLUID WAS RELEASED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE WAS RELEASED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO GET THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. BOTH BRAKE LINES HAD REPTURED (FRONT AND REAR). PARTS WERE $130 AND LABOR WAS $497. CADILLAC CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR ANY OF THE COSTS FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE OUT OR WARRANTY PERIOD.
NHTSA complaint #10049429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEADLAMPS QUIT WORKING. IT HAS BEEN IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT 3 TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THEY KEEP REPLACING RELAYS BUT IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE VERY FAR AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF NO HEADLAMPS. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10049120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesYarmouth Port, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE BRAKE ROTORS WORE OUT PREMATURELY, CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS HAD EITHER BEEN REPLACED OR GROUNDED DOWN FIVE TIMES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10029510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,500 milesNesbit, MSCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS STILL LOCKED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atkins, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING ABS BRAKE WILL ENGAGE. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10024059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,059 milesAtkins, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER DID NOT PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WAS REWIRED. THERE WAS A RATTLE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT STABILIZER LINKS. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE EBTCM. *NLM *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,059 milesAtkins, IA
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER DID NOT PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WAS REWIRED. THERE WAS A RATTLE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT STABILIZER LINKS. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE EBTCM. *NLM *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,059 milesAtkins, IA
EQUIPMENT
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER DID NOT PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR WAS REWIRED. THERE WAS A RATTLE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT STABILIZER LINKS. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE EBTCM. *NLM *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesStockton, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE ENGINE STALLED, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10014931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
WHEELS:RIM
CONSUMER STATES, THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT THE ALUMINUM WHEELS RIMS ARE FULLY CHROME, THOSE GOT SOME PIN HOLE, ON THOSE HOLE ALLOW WATER, DIRT AND OTHER MATERIALS CAUSING TO CORRODE THE WHEEL INSIDE THE CHROME. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10004172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.